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Nightbreed (Collections) #1
Clive Barker's Nightbreed Vol. 1
A secret society of monsters and misfits, The Nightbreed have always been with us.
New in canon stories from Midian and the world of NIGHTBREED based on the cult horror film! Explore both the past and the present of this clandestine tribe of creatures, unleashing new secrets and horrors as they fight to coexist with mankind. As Peloquin makes meat of slave owners, he will soon discover his true hatred for naturals. The only ones to trust are those made of the night. In another time, a world away, Shuna Sassi only knows a life of fear. With the death of an important senator, she is cast out from the world of prostitution and forced into the sewers. The voice of the man she has killed haunts her very soul, but will it tempt her to finally give herself the ultimate end? Before FABLES, before ONCE UPON A TIME, Clive Barker created a secret town of monsters that live among us. Don’t worry if you’ve never seen the film—Barker and writer Marc Andreyko (MANHUNTER) have crafted a story that all horror fans can enjoy. Add to the mix Piotr Kowalski’s art (MARVEL HULK) and this is a story that can’t be missed. Collects NIGHTBREED #1-#4.
New in canon stories from Midian and the world of NIGHTBREED based on the cult horror film! Explore both the past and the present of this clandestine tribe of creatures, unleashing new secrets and horrors as they fight to coexist with mankind. As Peloquin makes meat of slave owners, he will soon discover his true hatred for naturals. The only ones to trust are those made of the night. In another time, a world away, Shuna Sassi only knows a life of fear. With the death of an important senator, she is cast out from the world of prostitution and forced into the sewers. The voice of the man she has killed haunts her very soul, but will it tempt her to finally give herself the ultimate end? Before FABLES, before ONCE UPON A TIME, Clive Barker created a secret town of monsters that live among us. Don’t worry if you’ve never seen the film—Barker and writer Marc Andreyko (MANHUNTER) have crafted a story that all horror fans can enjoy. Add to the mix Piotr Kowalski’s art (MARVEL HULK) and this is a story that can’t be missed. Collects NIGHTBREED #1-#4.
128 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2015
134 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Marc Andreyko
528 books85 followersMarc Andreyko is a comic book and screenplay writer, best known for writing the 2000s ongoing series Manhunter for DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 23, 2023
This is the first volume in the Nightbreed series.
"A secret society of monsters and misfits, The Nightbreed have always been with us."
This first volume introduced the reader to various 'monsters', their current living conditions, and the tragedies that occurred to bring them to this present moment. I was surprised to find this a bloody read but one less gory than anticipated and more full of heartache and tragedy instead. I didn't expect to bond with the characters so quickly and am already sad that there are only three volumes available in this action-packed yet emotional series.
"A secret society of monsters and misfits, The Nightbreed have always been with us."
This first volume introduced the reader to various 'monsters', their current living conditions, and the tragedies that occurred to bring them to this present moment. I was surprised to find this a bloody read but one less gory than anticipated and more full of heartache and tragedy instead. I didn't expect to bond with the characters so quickly and am already sad that there are only three volumes available in this action-packed yet emotional series.
November 3, 2017
A nice collection of "secret origin" tales of characters from Clive Barker's Cabal/Nightbreed.
Peloquin and Shuna's tales were good ones, just not liked very much the changes in Father Ashbury's background.
Not bad, just as not as good as the novella and the movie which inspired it
September 16, 2019
This presents some origin tales of the various Nightbreed characters, and I think this ties into the Nightbreed director's cut film which I'd like to see but haven't watched yet.
The first volume is Peloquin and Shuna, and it is very interesting to see how far back their stories go (hundred of years in some cases) and some of the happenings that defined the characters.
Art fits the stories very well.
I think there's more potential to examine these characters in depth, but for now we only have 3 volumes.
The first volume is Peloquin and Shuna, and it is very interesting to see how far back their stories go (hundred of years in some cases) and some of the happenings that defined the characters.
Art fits the stories very well.
I think there's more potential to examine these characters in depth, but for now we only have 3 volumes.
November 5, 2015
NIGHTBREED was a terrible 90's movie based on an outstanding Clive Barker novella titled CABAL. (Apparently, a new "director's cut" of NIGHTBREED was recently released, so hopefully the film is now much improved.)
The NIGHTBREED comic is less based on the original story than it is on the movie, which has achieved a sort of cult status among a certain group of people. (I can only speculate on who those people might be, since I've never met ANYONE who enjoyed NIGHTBREED.) Vol. 1, which is comprised of the first four issues, does nothing more than provide background on some of the main characters. There isn't really a plot as such, just a bunch of scenes detailing the persecution these "freaks" were forced to endure before eventually banding together in Midian. It's sort of entertaining, I guess, but definitely not the approach I was hoping for.
Like the X-MEN movies, NIGHTBREED is an allegory about how society punishes people for being different, leading to resentment and animosity between the normals and the not-so-normals. Only, NIGHTBREED isn't nearly as subtle about its message as X-MEN. Writer Marc Andreyko must really have a chip on his shoulder against Christians, because 75% of the persecution in this comic is committed by religious people, who are inevitably portrayed as being racist, bloodthirsty, hypocritical--basically, every negative stereotype you can think of. There's even a homicidal priest that goes around killing "sinners" and women who tempt him with their sexual charms. It's this constant reverse-stereotyping that really brings this comic down and even makes it somewhat offensive.
I doubt that I will continue on with this series. Unless maybe I check out the director's cut of NIGHTBREED and it blows my mind. It's always interesting to peek inside Clive Barker's imagination, but this comic didn't leave me wanting more.
The NIGHTBREED comic is less based on the original story than it is on the movie, which has achieved a sort of cult status among a certain group of people. (I can only speculate on who those people might be, since I've never met ANYONE who enjoyed NIGHTBREED.) Vol. 1, which is comprised of the first four issues, does nothing more than provide background on some of the main characters. There isn't really a plot as such, just a bunch of scenes detailing the persecution these "freaks" were forced to endure before eventually banding together in Midian. It's sort of entertaining, I guess, but definitely not the approach I was hoping for.
Like the X-MEN movies, NIGHTBREED is an allegory about how society punishes people for being different, leading to resentment and animosity between the normals and the not-so-normals. Only, NIGHTBREED isn't nearly as subtle about its message as X-MEN. Writer Marc Andreyko must really have a chip on his shoulder against Christians, because 75% of the persecution in this comic is committed by religious people, who are inevitably portrayed as being racist, bloodthirsty, hypocritical--basically, every negative stereotype you can think of. There's even a homicidal priest that goes around killing "sinners" and women who tempt him with their sexual charms. It's this constant reverse-stereotyping that really brings this comic down and even makes it somewhat offensive.
I doubt that I will continue on with this series. Unless maybe I check out the director's cut of NIGHTBREED and it blows my mind. It's always interesting to peek inside Clive Barker's imagination, but this comic didn't leave me wanting more.
August 19, 2016
This was really cool! I've never heard of Nightbreed, but apperently it was a movie that flopped a while ago. After reading this, I really want to go watch it.
If you like stuff like Hellraiser, then I think you'll like this, obviously, but I think it also has a more.... extreme-Hellboy quality to it.
If you like stuff like Hellraiser, then I think you'll like this, obviously, but I think it also has a more.... extreme-Hellboy quality to it.
December 11, 2014
If you’re familiar with CABAL by Clive Barker and the subsequent early 90s movie Nightbreed based on that novella then you’ll know what I’m talking about here. If you’re not then stop, go read the story and/or watch the movie (preferably both) and then come back because you’re missing out.
Releasing at about the same time as the re-release of the movie, NIGHTBREED VOLUME 1 introduces us to new canon in the Nightbreed world. It acts as a prequel back to varying years on the timeline, from 1857 to 1945, and follows Peloquin (my favorite) and Shuna (also a favorite) at what isn’t necessarily the start of their Midian lives but what’s going to build to be integral moments in their lives as the series continues on.
The art, I think, fits with Clive Barker’s world. It’s dark and bloody but filled with detail that lends itself to enhancing the world of these monsters. You don’t really get to see Midian yet in this comic but the monsters bring that world with them wherever they go and the art uses that as a central force throughout the comic. Midian is with them even when they’re not there and it creates a pulse for the story that gets my heart beating in tune with it.
And it’s a good story too. You have Peloquin being Peloquin, shooting first and asking questions later but possibly making a mess for himself further down the road and Shuna who’s on the cusp of having her life thrown into upheaval but especially for her, her in-plot profession lends itself to her character in the movie. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen the movie so I am having a hard time connecting dots that would probably otherwise be obvious if it were fresh in my mind but some things are still there and they’re working out just fine.
I’m anxious to see where Andreyko takes the story. He’s done the canon justice so far so I have faith in future volumes.
4
Releasing at about the same time as the re-release of the movie, NIGHTBREED VOLUME 1 introduces us to new canon in the Nightbreed world. It acts as a prequel back to varying years on the timeline, from 1857 to 1945, and follows Peloquin (my favorite) and Shuna (also a favorite) at what isn’t necessarily the start of their Midian lives but what’s going to build to be integral moments in their lives as the series continues on.
The art, I think, fits with Clive Barker’s world. It’s dark and bloody but filled with detail that lends itself to enhancing the world of these monsters. You don’t really get to see Midian yet in this comic but the monsters bring that world with them wherever they go and the art uses that as a central force throughout the comic. Midian is with them even when they’re not there and it creates a pulse for the story that gets my heart beating in tune with it.
And it’s a good story too. You have Peloquin being Peloquin, shooting first and asking questions later but possibly making a mess for himself further down the road and Shuna who’s on the cusp of having her life thrown into upheaval but especially for her, her in-plot profession lends itself to her character in the movie. It’s been far too long since I’ve seen the movie so I am having a hard time connecting dots that would probably otherwise be obvious if it were fresh in my mind but some things are still there and they’re working out just fine.
I’m anxious to see where Andreyko takes the story. He’s done the canon justice so far so I have faith in future volumes.
4
September 15, 2020
It's no secret, Clive Barker's horrific visions have always awed me. I'm yet to see his work explored in other mediums (photography, art & film) I love these comic book adaptations of his work. I'm guessing the reason they work so well is cos the team making the adaptations don't stray so far from the source material (I hope!) The Books of Blood adaptations are pretty cool. Now comes Nightbreed. I picked this up with no whatsoever about the original film. Anything Clive Barker works for me. And I'm not disappointed. Peloquin and Shuna and that creepy old dude make for exciting characters. I wouldn't go as far as to say I find them relatable (they're monsters!) But I have a little empathy for them. I'm equally curious to find out more about this Midian place. So far so good. I have all three volumes, so I'm strapped in.
November 4, 2022
All things are true. God's an Astronaut. Oz is Over the Rainbow, and Midian is where the monsters live.
Clive Barker's Cabal is one of my favorite reads, even though it's a rough diamond that needed more cutting. This comic book, which includes first four issues, tells the background stories of several characters from Midian, members of Nightbreed. Boone is there also, but only as a character in an frame story seen briefly while being told stories of Nightbreed.
It needed a bit more cohesive story as it feels disjointed. Lets see if will improve.
Clive Barker's Cabal is one of my favorite reads, even though it's a rough diamond that needed more cutting. This comic book, which includes first four issues, tells the background stories of several characters from Midian, members of Nightbreed. Boone is there also, but only as a character in an frame story seen briefly while being told stories of Nightbreed.
It needed a bit more cohesive story as it feels disjointed. Lets see if will improve.
April 3, 2024
I loved the film as a kid and had high hopes for the graphic novel... IT IS AWESOME. The story of course is creepy, sad, and engrossing with accompanying art that will send a chill down your spine.
I love the in-depth backstories we get of the monster’s origins. Wicked cool and a great read.
I love the in-depth backstories we get of the monster’s origins. Wicked cool and a great read.
December 6, 2015
True to its predecessor.
Wonderful, everything I hoped for and more for the back stories of the citizens of Midian! I cannot wait to read the second volume!!
Wonderful, everything I hoped for and more for the back stories of the citizens of Midian! I cannot wait to read the second volume!!
October 14, 2016
Love the back stories!
October 15, 2016
I love night breed
I love the movie and reading the comics are fun. Vol. 1 was great. I am hoping that Vol. 2 is just as good.
I love the movie and reading the comics are fun. Vol. 1 was great. I am hoping that Vol. 2 is just as good.
August 10, 2020
Un intrigante inizio in cui viene presentato un mondo dove i "mostri" esistono.
Esseri sovrannaturali cacciati, sfruttati, inseguiti e braccati. Sopravvivere? Combattere gli umani? Prevalere?
E Dio in tutto ciò?
Tantissimi quesiti si aprono spingendo a continuare la lettura.
Esseri sovrannaturali cacciati, sfruttati, inseguiti e braccati. Sopravvivere? Combattere gli umani? Prevalere?
E Dio in tutto ciò?
Tantissimi quesiti si aprono spingendo a continuare la lettura.
April 7, 2023
Meh. The "monsters " have really cool designs but that was just ripped straight from the movie. I like it, there is potential here, but not sure I am invested enough to continue reading the series.
August 29, 2016
Alright, full disclsure, I didn't know that Nightbreed was initially a movie. That being said, this book makes little to no sense on it's own. It's just a jumbled history of some weird people smooshed together with a spooky narrator at the front. Having read the synopsis of the movie and the second book in this series, this book makes a little more sense but that doesn't make it good at all. There's just no cohesion here at all.
January 8, 2023
Yeah this was spot on!
A collection of stories that tell a bit of the backstory for some of the denizens of Midian, told to Boone when he first arrives.
The stories run parallel to modern day as we see the mad police chief from the movie (to date I’ve only seen the movie, not read the book so you’ll have to bear with me) as he is about to attack Midian.
Just as bonkers as the movie was, with lots of strange creatures, bloodshed and horror.
Superb!
A collection of stories that tell a bit of the backstory for some of the denizens of Midian, told to Boone when he first arrives.
The stories run parallel to modern day as we see the mad police chief from the movie (to date I’ve only seen the movie, not read the book so you’ll have to bear with me) as he is about to attack Midian.
Just as bonkers as the movie was, with lots of strange creatures, bloodshed and horror.
Superb!
February 27, 2021
If you watched the movie, Nightbreed and wanted more, this book is for you. It's an expansion of the mythology established in Nightbreed and is great fan service for anyone who really enjoyed that world and wanted to spend more time in it. Did this "need" to exist? Probably not, but I'm absolutely thrilled that it does!
July 7, 2017
Really enjoyed the concept of a "monster" sanctuary sub-city. Enjoyed the stories very much, and guess I'll have to read volume two to see what comes of the woman with the babies that hatched from eggs...
July 3, 2018
Laatste comic die ik kocht in de Epic. "Tja, de tijden veranderen", was het laatste dat de uitbater mij zei. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a shift in times...
What better way to start the summer holidays than a Clive Barker comic book?
What better way to start the summer holidays than a Clive Barker comic book?
January 9, 2019
Something I’ve been looking for
I’d actually been looking for a good story about a place for monsters. Glad someone mentioned this jewel and read it in one sitting. Can’t wait to go on to 2
I’d actually been looking for a good story about a place for monsters. Glad someone mentioned this jewel and read it in one sitting. Can’t wait to go on to 2
May 19, 2020
Pretty good if you are a fan
I don't think a reader who wasn't familiar with the film or the original book would get much out of this but, as a fan of both I found it to be interesting
I don't think a reader who wasn't familiar with the film or the original book would get much out of this but, as a fan of both I found it to be interesting
December 16, 2022
A wonderful, welcome journey back into the world of Midian. This volume features several compelling, overlapping stories telling the origins of some of the citizens, those that the human world would call monsters.
June 15, 2017
I loved the art and the coloring. The story was really interesting and I want more. When can I have more please.
August 17, 2017
Intriguing, dark, well written story.
Can not wait for more!
Can not wait for more!
March 6, 2018
Absolutely fantastic. I didn't realize how much I missed these characters until reading this.
July 8, 2018
Very disappointing compared to former books
I was excited to see the Night Breed stories in graphic novel form as I have read the original book “Cabal”, seen the movie “Night Breed” (loved it) and own one of the other books detailing the members of Miridian and their backstory.
Unlike the above the stories and charaterization of this novel is lackluster. I found myself unsympathetic toward any of the characters, the violence was repetitive merely swapping charcters, and the way they chopped up the vignettes was very annoying and disruptive.
I wonder if the decision to go back and forth between multiple storylines in short bursts was an effort to camoflague the slipshod treatment of the source material.
I was excited to see the Night Breed stories in graphic novel form as I have read the original book “Cabal”, seen the movie “Night Breed” (loved it) and own one of the other books detailing the members of Miridian and their backstory.
Unlike the above the stories and charaterization of this novel is lackluster. I found myself unsympathetic toward any of the characters, the violence was repetitive merely swapping charcters, and the way they chopped up the vignettes was very annoying and disruptive.
I wonder if the decision to go back and forth between multiple storylines in short bursts was an effort to camoflague the slipshod treatment of the source material.
December 31, 2024
I have always been a fan of Clive Barker movies. His works are so different from other authors. This graphic novel is an amazing work with excellent graphics. Each monster has been given a narrative so that the reader can relate to them. Somewhere the book compels us to think that people who think differently are not accepted by the society. Society always accept only those who confirm to their standards. I loved reading the book.
March 30, 2025
My first time checking out any of the comics expanding upon the truly wonderful dark fantasy/horror world of Clive Barker's "Nightbreed",a film and novel that truly screams for expansion and more stories to be told in that world! Overall these first 4 issues here were really solid and do a good job of expanding upon what was in the film and its world!
September 10, 2017
As stories from Midian go, these are fairly solid. I can't say that I was blown away by any particular aspect of the craft...writing, art, color...all fine.
If you like the mythology presented in novella or film then it could be worth your time.
If you like the mythology presented in novella or film then it could be worth your time.
January 7, 2026
Art: 2.5/5
Story: 2.5/5
More of a 2.5/5 but not quite a 3/5. Art is sufficient, the mood could benefit from a stronger inker, it relies heavily on the mediocre coloring. Sorry is weird enough to be interesting but nothing incredible.
Story: 2.5/5
More of a 2.5/5 but not quite a 3/5. Art is sufficient, the mood could benefit from a stronger inker, it relies heavily on the mediocre coloring. Sorry is weird enough to be interesting but nothing incredible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews